Cyprus
in your
Heart
Life is the Journey That You Make It
It is often said that life is not only what you are given, but what
you make of it. In the beautiful Mediterranean island of Cyprus, its
warm inhabitants have truly taken the motto to heart. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
an elderly man who basks under the shade of a leafy lemon tree
passionately playing a game of backgammon with his best friend in
the village square, or a mother who busies herself making a range of
homemade delicacies for the entire family to enjoy, passion and lust
for life are experienced at every turn. And when glimpsing around a
hidden corner, you can always expect the unexpected.
Colourful orange groves surround stunning ancient ruins, rugged
cliffs embrace idyllic calm turquoise waters, and shady pine covered
mountains are brought to life with clusters of stone built villages
begging to be explored. Amidst the wide diversity of cultural and
natural heritage is a burgeoning cosmopolitan life boasting towns
where glamorous restaurants sit side by side trendy boutiques,
as winding old streets dotted with quaint taverns give way to
contemporary galleries or artistic cafes. Sit down to take in all the
splendour and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be made to feel right at home as the locals
warmly entice you to join their world where every visitor is made to
feel like one of their own.

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Beachside Splendour Meets Countryside Bliss
Lovers of the Mediterranean often flock to the island of Aphrodite
to catch their breath in a place where time stands still amidst the
beauty of nature. Famed for its spectacular beaches, the crystal clear
Cypriot waters are designated among the cleanest in the world and
provide for a whole range of unique experiences. Thrill seekers dive
off the caves of the picturesque Cape Gkreko, others choose to lay
back on the soft white sands of the Agia Napa and Protaras coves,
while real nature lovers explore the wild Akamas Peninsula spotting
where baby turtles hatch in the protected Lara Bay.
Take a step away from the scenic coast and a green pine clad world awaits
as the Troodos Mountains provide a welcome escape. A place where
history seems to be suspended in time, hidden stone built churches
and stunning monasteries are adorned with countless Byzantine icons
calling out for attention set against a countryside wilderness that’s
home to lonesome Moufflon and herds of meandering goats wadding
through a landscape rich in endemic flowers and aromatic herbs.
Put your feet up for the night in one of the countless agro-tourism
resorts and you’ll feel right at home relaxing in a traditional
environment. Head out on a road trip the next day towards the sun
kissed southern slopes of the mountains and the winding streets
will carry you right through olive groves and hillsides blanketed in
vines producing the famed Commandaria, a sweet tipple hailed as
the world’s oldest wine.
Steeped in age-old customs, every area has its own secrets to tell.
A real haven for archaeology lovers, countless days out can also be
spent ogling ancient sites, from the awe inspiring Kourion Theatre to
the intricate UNESCO world heritage mosaics in Pafos. But Cyprus
isn’t just about the glories of the past, with pulsating contemporary
towns having little to envy of their European counterparts. And if you
just so happen to be in need of a break in between all the excitement,
you’ve certainly come to the right place as there’s always time for
another sumptuous meze to tantalise the taste buds followed by a
delicious swig of roasted Cypriot coffee to wash it all down.

3

Lefkosia
(Nicosia)
Feel the
Heart Beat
in the City

Some like to visit the capital to
indulge in a spot of retail therapy,
others are drawn by the various
culinary delights dished up by
its great number of swish
restaurants and local eateries.
Whatever your preference, multicultural Lefkosia (Nicosia) has
something for everyone.
While the central down town area
boasts a modern vibe, a walk
through the old city is where the
traditional charm of the world’s
last divided capital really springs
to life.
Surrounded by a grandiose
Venetian wall standing as a
majestic backdrop to a fast
contemporary pace, every inch
of the area is a discovery in itself.
Let yourselves get lost in the
winding pebbled streets of the old
town and you’ll be beckoned by
overgrown purple bougainvilleas,
small craft shops, and traditional
taverns offering great alfresco
dining opportunities.
Walk a little further afield towards
the old Faneromeni Square and
you’ll find yourselves submersed
in a hip new hangout. Then there’s
the undeniable charm of the
sandstone Famagusta Gate that
once led into the old city, with the
surrounding area now home to
a number of cultural institutions
and theatres nestled between
grand old houses cradling resident
artist workshops. And whether
you have a soft spot for ancient
archaeological relics or top
modern art, there’s a museum for
every taste.

4

Lemesos (Limassol)
The Changing Face of Cyprus
If there’s a town that knows the true meaning of transformation, it
simply has to be Lemesos. Forever becoming more cosmopolitan,
the sprawling cityscape is famed for its thriving cultural scene and
dynamic modern life. Buzzing cafes complement candlelit bistros,
modern architecture and old colonial mansions vie for attention,
while small galleries are tucked away near larger art centres. Then
there’s an ultramodern marina soon to add a dazzling new dimension
to the area complementing the whole array of luxury hotels lining the
water’s edge.
Head for the seafront and you’ll be greeted by a whole array of funky
beachside bars attracting a well dressed crowd watching the waves
hit the shore with cocktail in hand. Continue further towards the newly
pedestrianised historic quarter to find a treasured area crowned by
a medieval castle surrounded by some of the best restaurants in
the country, dishing out anything from stuffed calamari to gourmet
seafood risotto and mouth-watering salads.
While art aficionados often flock to contemporary centres adorned
with innovative works for a visual treat, lovers of times past can
explore the Amathus archaeological site or Kolossi Castle, a former
Crusader stronghold. For majestic views, the ancient Kourion is an
absolute must see. To top it all off, spend a night at the local theatre
offering an impressive agenda of international performers and the
very best of alternative local music and dance.

5

Pafos
Ancient
Secrets
Round
Every Turn
One moment you might be exploring the glorious rocky coastline, the
next you could easily find yourself surrounded by an archaeological
site filled with much historical intrigue. With so much magic in the air,
it’s little wonder that Aphrodite is famed to have risen from the shores
of the island’s west coast. Visit Petra tou Romiou and you’ll get the
chance to see the very spot where the Goddess of love and beauty
was born. But don’t forget to sit back and take out your camera; it’s
a sight worth capturing forever, especially when the sunset reflects a
deep orange hue over the clear waters.
With the whole town included on the official UNESCO list of cultural
and world heritage, the Pafos Mosaics stand as the cream of the crop.
Famed among the most beautiful in the world, each have their own
tale to tell about the ancient Greek world and its myths. Then there’s
the Tomb of the Kings, rooted in mystery and intrigue as they bring
to life an arid landscape with well preserved age-old underground
tombs and chambers.
If you’re feeling peckish, be sure to sit down for a bite amidst a hub
of activity at the old port and medieval castle. As for great beaches,
Pafos certainly has its fair share providing a mix of hip and trendy hot
spots complemented by more tranquil shores further afield.

6

Often characterised by its eye
catching seaside promenade lined
with graceful palm trees that
frame the entrances of dozens of
bustling modern cafes and eateries,
Larnaka has a lot more to offer
than this highly tooted highlight.
Stroll deep into the winding
backstreets built over the ancient
city of Kition and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll discover
local craft shops making their
way down to St Lazarus Church,
one of the finest examples of
Byzantine architecture in Cyprus.

Larnaka
Where
Palm Trees
Befriend
Flamingos

Ask a local about the absolute
highlight of the town and they
are more than likely to point you
in the direction of the splendid
salt lake, home to nearly 80
migratory birds, with the famed
pink Flamingos flocking to the
area between February and April.
Truly a sight worth savouring,
the shimmering lake straddles the
magnificent Hala Sultan Tekke
Mosque, a sacred shrine visited by
thousands of pilgrims each year
characterised by steep minarets
peeping through a thick density of
palm and Cypress trees. With the
seaside town also attracting those
with a soft spot for adventure,
its windswept beaches filled with
colourful kites scattered across
the endless blue horizon have
become a popular sight.

7

Ammochostos
(Famagusta)
Forever
a Coastal
Paradise

A few decades ago the sleepy
villages of the south east coast
had little idea that they would
one day be embraced by tourists
the world over in search of idyllic
waters and fun filled holidays in
the sun. With the beaches and
small towns of Agia Napa and
Protaras now catering to the
travellers every whim, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a
plethora of entertainment venues
to visit, coupled with luxury hotels
and smaller holiday bungalows to
accommodate you. Add to that
some of the most stunning
powdery white sands in the
Mediterranean and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a
winning combination.
While those looking for the life
and soul of the party have
certainly come to the right place,
thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much more on offer than
sunbathing and a good night out.
A drive along the sweeping
coastline from Agia Napa towards
Protaras offers breathtaking
views, dotted with spectacular
sea caves that frame iridescent
waters. With the Cape Gkreko
national forest park excellent for
hiking and riding, it gives way to
a charming whitewashed cliff top
church while nearby secluded
bays provide for great snorkelling
opportunities. As the sun goes
down, countless hidden coves are
just the place to catch your breath
in true laid-back island style.
Not without its ancient tales to tell,
the Agia Napa Monastery boasts
Venetian architecture and a medieval castle feel while lovers of all
things nautical can head down
to the contemporary Thalassa
Museum.

8

Wine Route
All Hail the
Glorious Grape

Aphrodite Route
In The Footsteps
of a Goddess

In an island boasting a plethora of treasures, one of its most
widely enjoyed is the locally produced wine that goes down a
treat at any social occasion, wedding or family dinner. With the
sun kissed southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains winding
between Lemesos and Pafos covered in vines, there are over 50
charming boutique wineries waiting to be discovered, providing
for a real treat whether you’re a connoisseur or simple lover of
the drink that locals once worshiped as the nectar of the gods.

If the Ancient Goddess of love and beauty were able to speak
out, nowhere would her presence be so profound as it is in the
archaeological sites dedicated to her cult. Visitors can seep up
all her majestic glory with mythology coming to life at every stop
along the way. Dig deep through the layers of history and you’ll
learn about her birth, cult, and the many rituals associated with
her highly eroticised worship.

The most famous indigenous varieties that you’ll get to sample
are derived from the ‘mavro’ (dark red grapes) and ‘xynisteri’ (white
grape) as well as many tantalising new selections. That’s not to
forget the infamous sweet Commandaria, once pronounced by
Richard the Lionheart as the “wine of the kings and the king of
the wines.”

Cyprus
Route
Guide

Start off at the Baths of Aphrodite and then proceed towards
Petra tou Romiou to catch a glimpse of the goddess’ majestic
birthplace. Continue the journey to Kouklia and the famously
elaborate sanctuary of Aphrodite which formed a centre of
worship for the whole of the ancient Greek world. Pop into the
adjacent Kouklia museum housed in the eastern annex of a
Lusignan medieval mansion to get to grips with the extent of
Aphrodite’s profound mythological significance.

While the number of wine roots you can take are endless stretching
from the breathtaking Pitsilia exploration to the fascinating trip
along the Diarizos river, you might like to top up your knowledge
at a wine museum before travelling deeper into the slopes to
sample some choice vintages in the countless enticing villages
with a long winemaking tradition.

Proceed towards the Ancient Amathus in Lemesos; an archaeological
site that bears witness to one of the most ancient royal cities of
Cyprus and a strong connection to the forever alluring cult of
the famous goddess. Have a look at the ruins of the temple of
Aphrodite and then head down to the Lemesos (Limassol) District
Museum to top up your knowledge on the celebrated goddess.
Last but not least, be sure not to miss Kition in your travels with
a stop at the main archaeological site of the ancient city exploring
its links with Aphrodite and the area’s ties to the sea.

KEY
Archaeological site

Town

Village

Main Road

Motorway

Limit of area under Turkish occupation

Byzantine Church

Unesco World Heritage Site

Eastern Route
Where Tradition Defies
the Hands of Time

Western Route
Discovering Paths
Less Explored

Start off in the far easterly farming villages collectively named
‘Kokkinohoria’ in the Ammochostos district to witness where
the island’s delicious potatoes are unearthed in mineral rich red
soil. Head further towards Larnaca and you’ll be mesmerised by
Stavrovouni; a Greek Orthodox monastery famed as the oldest on
the island perched high on a mountain peak. Perfectly isolated and
a real marvel to stare at, it could have easily stepped out of a
classic painting or film set.

Drive out towards Polis tis Chrysohous to seep up the charisma of a
small town that exudes peaceful seaside charm. Just a stone’s throw
away is the Latchi fishing village, a favourite holiday destination
of locals who love to tuck into a fresh fish meze at the waterfront
taverns. A boat trip from Latchi will take you into the heart of rocky
coves as you enjoy a delightful plunge into brilliant turquoise waters.
And if you fancy catching sight of where an ancient goddess enjoyed
a cool dip, make a beeline towards the nearby Baths of Aphrodite, a
pond surrounded by an idyllic luscious landscape and walking trail
dotted with fragrant flowers and herbs.

Sit and enjoy the view before heading deeper towards the beguiling
Lefkara with its narrow winding lanes and terracotta roofed houses,
celebrated for its exquisite embroidery handcrafted in the village
since medieval times. As friendly banter about the news of the
day resonates through the lanes, the women are often coupled up
outside their homes and shops with embroidery needle in hand.
Never far away are the village men busying themselves making
their highly prized silverware. Enjoy a touch of traditional shopping
before stepping into the folklore museum for a journey back in
time. While Lefkara was considered one of the most affluent towns
during the Renaissance, the adjacent Kato Drys gives visitors the
opportunity to see some more traditional architecture.

Move higher inland to discover a winding labyrinth of villages dotted
across the Laona Plateau including Kathikas, Kritou Terra and Arodes.
But if you really want to recharge your batteries, make the most
of the sprawling untamed natural beauty stretching all the way
from the dense protected greenery of the Akamas reserve to the
blissfully quiet area of Pomos. Keen explorers in the area are often
left in awe of the Avakas Gorge that etches its way through the
rugged countryside. With the whole area also providing plenty of
opportunities for a refreshing swim, the untouched beaches are
among the cleanest on the island. Drive out towards Pomos in the
evening for panoramic views and the sight of the endless twinkle of
village lights while stopping off for a cool drink by the coast to take in
what dreams are really made of.

10

Byzantine Route
A Saintly Experience
Nestled in the Troodos Mountains is a real Byzantine treasure trove
that reveals the island’s religious heritage in its very best light. With
Cyprus situated at crucial crossroads of the Eastern Mediterranean,
the land is characterised by one of the greatest concentrations of
churches and grandiose monasteries of the former Byzantine Empire.
Holy buildings that have remained largely unchanged for centuries are
blessed with a highly spiritual aura as characteristic chunky wooden
doors open up onto an array of vivid icons and frescos depicting saints,
apostles and stories from the Bible in all their colourful glory.
With ten of these beautifully painted churches included on the
UNESCO World Heritage List, days out can be spent driving through
the areas of Pitsilia, Marathasa and Solea to spot their true beauty.
The story behind the churches is as interesting as the discovery itself,
with unique tales of important saints and apostles accentuating a
flourishing ecclesiastical mountain life that lures in curious visitors
to this day. Be sure to also make the most of the gracefully imposing
string of churches dedicated to the Holy Cross which pay tribute to
Saint Helen, Mother of Constantine the Great, who passed through
Cyprus when returning from the Holy Land.

9

Antiquity Route
Historical Marvels
at Your Doorstep
With so many paths leading you back to the glorious past, the choice
of archaeological sites beckoning to be explored is remarkable.
Steeped in a rich history that tells tales of intricate and lively
ancient times, the island bears examples of some of the oldest
settlements and architectural feats that leave crowds in absolute
awe. Start off on the east coast with the ancient city of Kition in
Larnaka that features temples dating back to the 13th century BC.
Then head for new heights between Larnaka and Lemesos, with
an impressive looming hillside standing as the proud home of
the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia, distinctly marked out by
cylindrical stone and mud dwellings that lay claim to the earliest
permanent human housing on the island. Further down the South
East coast, the ancient Greco Roman Kourion stands as one of the
top ancient highlights with a theatre perched high on a cliff top
that commands a tremendous view of the surrounding patchwork
land and sea. During the summer months, music and theatrical
performances really bring the ancient past to life. Then follow the
coastline towards Pafos, the town with no end of world famous
archaeological sites that stretch out from Paleapafos (Kouklia) to
the heart of Kato Pafos.

Troodos
The Call of the Wild
Move away from the towns and coastal areas towards the picturesque
roads that spiral up the mountains and a whole new world awaits. With
the pine filled Troodos Mountains rising high above the central plains,
the abundance of natural beauty is profound. Set out on signposted
scenic nature trails punctuated with pungent wildflowers boasting
views that stretch out as far as the eye can see or explore steep
mountain slopes that become home to avid skiers and snowboarders
in the winter months. You may also be tempted to reach for your
binoculars in a spot of bird watching, take a break at one of the picnic
sites, or get snappy when immersed in the otherworldly appeal of
the Cedar Valley.
Travel around the wider area and the quiet pace will lure you toward
all sorts of delightful sights. From the healing sulphur springs of
Kalopanagiotis and the calm waters that gurgle beneath the elegantly
arched Tzelefos Bridge, to the splendour of Kykkos Monestary, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
no end to the rural treats. Sprinkled across the rural landscape are
a whole host of picture perfect villages with welcoming inhabitants
sitting on wickered chairs beside open doorways keen to wave at
passersby.
As the past unravels, stop off at one of the old taverns to sample
traditional delights. And if your hiking boots are calling out for
attention, make a beeline for the cascading Kaledonia Falls. Ending
up just outside the village of Platres, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the place to put your
feet up and watch the rather peaceful world go by.

11

Top Events
Rejoice
in Festive
Spirit
Carnival Celebrations: The pride and joy of Lemesos, the seaside town
buzzes with life in the weeks leading up to Lent as the municipality
pulls out all the stops. With carnival balls, costume competitions and
various street shows, the whole celebration culminates in a Grand
Parade along the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main streets on the Sunday before the
start of Lent each year. Head out on the town during this weekend
to witness a party atmosphere like no other as people from around
the country go wild in the most creative and fantastical costumes
imaginable. Although Lemesos hosts the biggest celebration of all, the
magic of carnival is also enjoyed in a number of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s towns.
Limassol Wine Festival: Savour your favourite tipple in a spirited
atmosphere that comes to life at the end of August through to
September within the Limassol Municipal Gardens. With a whole range
of local wineries offering crowds a good taste of their produce, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
also the chance to witness folk dancing in all its glory and the stomping
of the grapes in the good old-fashioned way.
Pafos Aphrodite: A real treat for opera lovers, this highly coveted event
takes place every September with the Pafos Medieval Castle and

12

moonlit sea forming a magnificent
backdrop to the prestigious
occasion. Attracting a cultured
crowd from Cyprus and beyond,
performances in previous years
have included Puccini’s Madama
Butterfly and Verdi’s Il Trovatore.
Kypria International Festival: High
calibre international and local
artistis take part in a series of
performances in the months of
September and October, forming
one of the highlights of the
Ministry of Education and Culture’s
yearly agenda.
Offering the best of dance, music
and theatre, there’s something for
everyone with shows in theatres
across the island.
Year Round Festivities: No matter
when you visit the island, there
is always a plethora of unique
occasions to indulge in hailing the
religious saints or savouring the
glories of famed village produce.
From the mountain Pastelli festival
dedicated to a traditional sweet
made from Carob juice, to the
Zivania festival hailing local
tipple, you’ll bear witness to a
huddle of excited crowds
indulging in the delights. Seaside
towns also embrace their share
of fun with Epiphany Celebrations
whitnessing the Holy Cross flung
into the sea whilst the hugely
popular summer Festival of the
Flood (Kataklysmos) has crowds
celebrating island wide.

Time Zone, Country
Code and Phones
Cyprus is two hours ahead of GMT.
The international dialling code
for Cyprus is +357. While public
pay phones can be found around
the island taking pre-paid phone
cards you can also purchase a local
SIM card for your mobile phone
if planning to make many calls or
stay on for a longer duration.

Money and Exchange
Cyprus uses the euro. While banks
exchange all major currencies.
Countless ATMs in all towns and
tourist resorts mean you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t
have to go far before coming into
contact with a cash point. Most
shops, restaurants and hotels
accept all major credit cards.

Transportation
Getting around the island by car is
easy and quick, with good roads
and motorways linking all major
towns with English signposts
along the way. While renting a
car is always an efficient and
enjoyable way to get around,
the island now boasts a highly
upgraded streamlined bus
service making it easy to travel
on public transport both within
the towns, as well as to and
from the airport and your hotel.
1.Interurban buses:
Various bus companies link all
major towns and airports with
routes at specified intervals.

Taxi Facilities
1. Service (shared) Taxis:
This
service
offers
the
opportunity to share a taxi with
4-8 passengers and provides
connection between all major
towns of Cyprus (Lefkosia,
Lemesos, Larnaka and Pafos)
every half hour Monday-Friday
6am-6pm,Saturday-Sunday
7am-5pm. Seats can be booked

15

by phone and passengers can
be collected from and dropped
off at any place they wish within
municipal boundaries. They are
run by an amalgamation of
private companies under the
umbrella of Travel & Express
Tel: 77 77 74 74
www.travelexpress.com.cy
2. Urban Taxi
A 24-hour taxi service is available
in all towns. They can be booked
on the phone or hailed on the
street. Urban taxis are equipped
with meters, the use of which is
obligatory. Charging commences
upon the entrance of a passenger
in the taxi.

Local Cuisine
Rich in fresh ingredients and tasty
herbs, Cyprus offers the very
best of Mediterranean culinary
delights. Head out to a tavern and
feast on a sumptuous meze for a
selection of dips and mains that
will give taste buds something
to remember with every bite. The
selection is endless: there are
salads drenched in virgin olive
oil, juicy tomatoes with a good
sprinkle of feta cheese, creamy
tahini, grilled halloumi, wild
mushrooms drenched in lemon,
succulent kebabs, spicy village
sausage, stuffed vegetables and
vine leaves, baked moussaka
lamb casseroles and the list
goes on.
When it comes to dessert, those
with a sweet tooth should be
sure to nibble on some â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;glika tou
koutaliouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (preserved fruit in
syrup). For a real taste of Cyprus,
you can also dig into some
refreshing cold mahalepi drenched
in pure aromatic rosewater.

For an online glimpse of what
the island has to offer, the Cyprus
Tourism Organisation has ensured
a whole world of information
at your fingertips. Simply visit
www.visitcyprus.com and you
can browse through a whole
list of options, catering to your
every need when preparing for
your visit.

At the
Click of
a Button

Available in 15 different
languages, the website can also
be used when exploring the
island with handy maps to help
you through your journey.
There are plenty of useful facts
to make your trip easy and
pleasurable including transport
details and working hours. You
can also keep up to date on the
weather, with the island lucky
enough to be endowed with one
of the most agreeable climates in
Europe, enjoying bright sunshine
for much of the year. With warm
summers and mild winters, the
country offers the best of both
worlds with something to suit all
tastes.
If you’re keen on embracing
the local culture while visiting
theatres or galleries, a monthly
events guide will keep you filled
in on all the latest happenings.
As for accommodation, there are
plenty of handy hints to suit
your needs, whether you’re a
couple who yearn for a romantic
getaway or a family who seeks
activities for the kids. If you
really fancy a break in the
countryside, you can click on
the link of the official website of
Cyprus Agrotourism which gives

details on beautiful locations and
places to stay.
There are also sections and
eBrochures geared towards
specific needs, from health
and wellbeing to weddings and
honeymoons. Register on the
website to keep yourself up to
date with general and interest
specific newsletters. You can
also subscribe to CTO videos
on You Tube, become fans of
Cyprus on facebook, or follow
‘VisitCyprus’ on twitter.